| dc.description.abstract | A strong desire by charcoal producers to cash in a soaring demand for charcoal for cooking, especially in urban areas, is resulting in environmental degradation on a large scale, threatening the health of human and natural communities, has driven the search for more sustainable energy sources. The global concern on charcoal production is the concentration of informal production in small lots, this maybe occasional or regular charcoal production, leading to massive tree clearing activities, which have implications for climate change. Wood supply systems are however complex and site specific. An adequate understanding of drivers is the basis for review of the sustainability of local systems. This study was aimed at assessing charcoal production drivers at Atapar village in Serere district. To asses this, data was collected through participatory rural appraisal techniques of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and structured interview/questionnaire. In addition, personal and non-participant observations were used to gain visual understanding of production processes in the area. It also revealed that alternative way of earning income, urbanization and income for school fees were the most pertinent drivers. Improving public education, privatization of public forests, introducing new technologies for sustainable charcoal production to reduce loss of biomass. For constant charcoal production, establishment of woodlots and on farm forestry and using tree branches was treasured. Traditional earth mound kilns was the only kiln used for charcoal production because most of the charcoal producers are exposed to the traditional earth mound, there is no alternative method and the materials are readily available (the soil). | en_US |
